Friday, August 31, 2007

The Ohio-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN-731) is being moved "dead-stick" in the sound by a flotilla of tug boats with Mount Rainer in background. (U.S. Navy photographed by Mr. Anthony Madina)

The Alabama was officially dry-docked Jan. 18, 2006. Overall maintenance is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2008, which means the Alabama should be ready to start sea trials, finish the recertification process and return to the Navy as an operational unit.

“This is a huge step and a key event,” said Lt. Gary Dunn, Alabama engineering refueling overhaul coordinator (EROC). “We are undocking the ship in progression to complete the avail[ability]. Ahead of us are tests for the reactor plant, habitability and steaming. All these are key events we have to meet before we do fast cruise and sea trails.”

During Alabama’s dry-dock period, it endured 11 hull cuts which had to be welded back together and made water tight.

“We were in very good material condition for this undocking and we have our turtle-back back on,” said Dunn. “A lot of the work has already been done, so we are ahead of schedule. The undocking is going very well.”

Workers had to make sure all the piping systems which were taken apart had their water-tight integrity back before they flooded the dock.

“This is just one of the milestones along the way for the Alabama,” said Cmdr. Todd Massidda, Alabama commanding officer. “It’s a big one, because we got a lot of the work below the water line done. We are transitioning from the shipyard ... getting the ship outfitted and ready to go out to sea again. We have a lot more work to go.”

The crew of Alabama has to put the ship through its paces by testing all the new equipment and then the crew has to get recertified to take the ship back out to sea.

“An important factor which has gotten us to this point are approximately 650 to 700 shipyard workers teaming with about 200 ships force guys,” said Massidda. "That is a testament to the entire project team.”

Sailors of the Alabama are happy about the success of the refueling overhaul.

“It feels good to be back in the water,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class (SS) Alex Winfrey. “I think it’s much better being pier side. For a boat that has been sitting where it’s not meant to be for more than a year, it’s a lot better for it to be floating.”

The Coast Guard has decided to split into two phases and to initially focus on three geographic sectors in its upcoming Nationwide Automatic Identification System Increment 2 procurement starting in November.

The request for proposals for Increment 2’s first phase is expected to be released in November, the Coast Guard said in a notice on its Web site. The award is expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

The nationwide system to identify vessels is intended to help ships avoid collisions and ease congestion. The data also will be shared with command and control centers for maritime situational awareness, providing real-time ability to track vessels deemed to be threats.

The first phase of Increment 2 will be offered under full and open competition, and the Homeland Security Department’s Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge contract vehicle will not be used, the Coast Guard said.

The agency will award a single contract to design, test and implement the national system to reach initial operating capability. That initial operating capability will be addressed in three geographic sectors: Delaware Bay, Hampton Roads, Va., and Mobile, Ala., the Coast Guard said.

In the second phase, the Coast Guard intends to use multiple-award contracts to implement the system at remote sites to facilitate nationwide coverage.

The NAIS is perceived as a possible steppingstone to larger Coast Guard projects, especially Command 2010 to update command and control systems.

Note: Alice Lipowicz writes for Washington Technology, an 1105 Government Information Group publication.

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) -- Air Force officials here announced Aug. 30 the designation of a new Air Force Special Operations Command wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., as the 27th Special Operations Wing.

The 27th designation, currently used as the 27th Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, will change from fighter to special operations when the wing changes its mission Oct. 1.

The unit designation was selected through a process that started in the AFSOC historian's office.

"After coordinating with Air Combat Command and determining they were not planning to use the 27th Fighter Wing designation, we decided to formally request it," said Herb Mason, the AFSOC command historian.

The 27th's impressive lineage, and its history while at Cannon AFB, made it an obvious choice for a new special operations wing, Mr. Mason said.

"It's a well-known number and it's held a variety of missions since 1940. Now we will add our own unique mission and aircraft to its heritage," he said.

"This is an historical time for Air Force special operations," said Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, the AFSOC commander. "We're experiencing an unprecedented growth in the history of this command, increasing in numbers of Airmen and aircraft," said General Wooley. "We need a second wing. People are recognizing the importance of the special operations mission and our impact on the war on terror."

The 27th SOW will join its sister wing, the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

"Special operations units and our air commandos have had wartime assignments since 1944, but nothing like what we are seeing today," he said. "We've been running at full steam since Desert Storm, and that's not likely to change anytime soon."

AFSOC leadership briefly considered designating the Cannon AFB wing the 16th SOW after the Hurlburt Field wing was redesignated the 1st SOW, but quickly realized the heritage, lineage and honors wouldn't transfer with the 16th, but would remain with the 1st SOW.

The 27th has a long and distinguished history since it's inception as the 27th Bombardment Group (Light) at Barksdale Field, La., Feb. 1, 1940. Elements of the 27th BG were in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded the island in December 1941, and aided in the fight against the invading force. The Japanese eventually overran the country, and as a result, many members of the 27th BG were taken prisoners of war and forced to participate in the Bataan Death March in 1942.

Throughout the last 67 years, the 27th designation has been assigned to several groups and wings at a myriad of locations. The 27th was organized as a fighter wing in August 1947, at Kearney Airfield, Neb. Later, in February 1958, in a move to preserve the heritage of the 27th, Air Force leadership transferred the designation to Cannon AFB replacing the 312th Wing, a unit without a significant lineage.

27SOW Q&A:Q. What units will move, and when? A. The first unit to move to Cannon Air Force Base will be the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, a unit of newly acquired MC-130W Combat Spears currently located at Hurlburt Field.

The four MC-130W currently assigned to the 73rd SOS will move to Cannon in December. Many people in the Clovis-Portales area may have already seen these Combat Spears flying in New Mexico since they have been TDY to the area regularly, and will continue to do so through November. This temporary status allows AFSOC the opportunity to train Cannon Airmen in specific maintenance requirements of an MC-130W. The first one may be on the Cannon ramp as early as September. Three more will rotate through the base until they are at Cannon permanently in December.

We expect to see the Airmen assigned to the MC-130W begin moving to the area in November. All currently assigned 73rd SOS personnel will arrive at Cannon no later than Feb. 1, 2008. We will add personnel as the fleet size grows to a total of 12 aircraft by late 2009. Approximately 538 personnel (150 ops and 388 maintenance) will eventually be relocated to Cannon as a result of the 73rd SOS and the MC-130W move.

The ability to move aircraft is limited to the rate of construction of hangars and other facilities required to maintain the aircraft. Two temporary hangars with site preparation are required until the fiscal year 2011 military construction projects are completed. Each temporary hangar will be approximately 22,400 square feet.

The next unit expected to move to Cannon will be the 3rd Special Operations Squadron, currently based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, an MQ-1 Predator unit. This unit will most likely move to Cannon in June 2008. Other aircraft to follow will include AC-130 Gunships from the 16th Special Operations Squadron in 2010, and CV-22 Ospreys in 2011.

By the end of 2008, we expect to have 42 aircraft assigned to Cannon. How quickly we move aircraft capability and complete required construction on new and existing base facilities will determine how fast we move Airmen and their families into the area.

Q: When will the transfer be complete? A: It will take approximately six years to move the proposed fleet of special operations aircraft and personnel to Cannon. The funding and construction for facilities is spread over several years. Aircraft would be bed down in association with the completion of facilities at Cannon. One reason it takes so long for the final aircraft to arrive is because some of those aircraft, like the MC-130W and the CV-22, are still in production.

Q: What kind of changes can the people of Clovis expect to see at/around Cannon AFB? A. The Security Forces posture at Cannon AFB will be transparent when it transfers to AFSOC. The base security forces will provide the same protection that exists at Cannon today. There will be some increased traffic through the Portales Gate due to more commercial delivery vehicles as a result of new units and construction efforts.

Q: What kind of changes can we expect to see Oct. 1? A: Aside from patch changes, new unit names, and a new mission, changes should be transparent to most people, as well as the local community...we're still Airmen first.

Q: Will local businesses be able to bid on contracts to upgrade the facility, and what is to be expected in contracts for the base? A: Command officials are anticipating the award of contracts in excess of $40M at Cannon this fiscal year, up from approximately $25 million last year. The additional contracts will provide needed construction and equipment in support of the beddown of AFSOC forces at Cannon and facilitate training on the Melrose Range.

Over the next few years, we expect construction projects to include eight new large-aircraft hangars, three squadron operations facilities and additional dormitory space, as well as modifications and renovations to existing facilities. Larger office buildings are required to support the larger number of personnel assigned to flying units, as well as the equipment they use.

One of the tools the contracting squadron uses is the Small Business Administration's 8A program to decide which contractors receive contracts. The only prerequisite to contract fulfillment is that contractors are certified by the SBA. Most other business opportunities are advertised online through Fed Biz Opps. Fed Biz Opps is the single government point of entry for Federal Government procurement opportunities over $25,000, at http://www.fbo.gov/

Q: What sort of upgrades and modifications does the base require in order to meet AFSOC's standards? A: The upgrades/modifications needed for AFSOC generally deal with converting Cannon from handling smaller F-16 aircraft to larger C-130 and CV-22 aircraft. C-130 squadron operations buildings and maintenance facilities are much larger than those of the F-16 units. Some existing buildings and facilities will need to be modified to handle the larger C-130 and CV-22. Additionally, the communication lines to accommodate the unmanned aircraft systems need to be upgraded.

Q: When will construction begin on the buildings that AFSOC requires? A: Once construction contracts are awarded, the building of temporary hangars will begin. We are expecting the temporary hangars to be completed by June 2008. These temporary hangars would be used until 2011, when the new permanent hangars are programmed to be constructed.

Q: If local companies have a contract in place with Air Combat Command will they have to be renegotiated through AFSOC? A: Some of the contracts that are in place through ACC will continue to be honored through AFSOC and some contracts will be renegotiated. The owning agencies should know if their contract need to be renegotiated.

Q: Will the same level of support for community activities such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and things of that nature continue with AFSOC's arrival? A: Despite the change in mission at Cannon, the Airmen will continue to support the local community. We may have smaller numbers of Airmen and family members over the next few years as the new aircraft and units move in, but won't affect the Air Force tradition of providing support to our surrounding communities.

Q: Is Cannon AFB still planning to have privatized base housing? A: There is no new information regarding the privatization of base housing at Cannon. We will provide updates as they become available.

Q: Who will be the commander of the special operations wing? A: Col. Tim Leahy will be the commander of the special operations wing. Colonel Leahy was the vice wing commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field prior to arriving at Cannon. Col Val Bagnani will remain at Cannon as the vice wing commander.

By Bob Fehringer (contractor), U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) -- As Hurricane Dean converged on the Gulf of Mexico in August, members of the U.S. Transportation Command were prepared for the worst its winds could muster.

"Federal officials began to track Hurricane Dean as it formed in the Atlantic Ocean and started moving towards Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick J. Owens, deputy, Global Division, Operations and Plans Directorate. "FEMA, as well as United States Northern Command, which we support, began to convene video teleconferences to discuss and plan a potential response.

"In support of USNORTHCOM, we forward-deployed aeromedical capability (personnel and equipment) to Texas," Owens added. "We also forward-deployed a Joint Assessment Team from McGuire AFB, N.J., to Puerto Rico in anticipation of Hurricane Dean."

According to Owens, USTRANSCOM transported specially-equipped Federal Emergency Management Agency and USNORTHCOM emergency response and command and control vehicles to Puerto Rico on Aug. 16. The command started 24-hour hurricane response operations in the USTRANSCOM Deployment and Distributions Operations Center on Aug. 18.

Deployed USTRANSCOM and component personnel included the JAT, the lead element of USTRANSCOM's Joint Task Force-Port Opening capability.

"We also started moving a Deployment and Distribution Operations Center-Forward to FEMA Headquarters and the National Guard Bureau," Owens said. The DDOC-F was to be staffed with two Air Mobility Command field grade officers and two Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Center field grade officers under the direction of a USTRANSCOM colonel, Additionally, USTRANSCOM began the deployment of eight personnel to USNORTHCOM's DDOC. These moves were discontinued as it became apparent that the storm was turning away from the United States.

Also deployed in advance of the hurricane were one Joint Patient Movement Team to Austin, Texas, one active duty Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility to Brownsville, Texas, as well as seven Critical Care Aeromedical Transport Teams and six aeromedical evacuation teams to San Antonio.

"In addition to moving the JAT to Puerto Rico, we used our aircraft to deploy a defense coordinating officer and his team with some of their emergency vehicles," Owens said. "We also moved a FEMA mobile emergency response unit from the Boston area to Puerto Rico."

Fortunately, the hurricane took a more southerly route and did not affect Puerto Rico or Texas. According to Owens, if it had converged on Texas, state officials may have asked for federal assistance to handle the evacuation of patients from the Brownsville area through a national medical response system.

"We would have then taken the patients from three airfields in and around the Brownsville area and relocated patients and personnel to locations away from the storm," said Owens. "There were C-130s and crews on alert at Little Rock AFB(in Arkansas) and Dyess (AFB, Texas) to start the aeromedical evacuation."

In preparation for the hurricane season, USTRANSCOM's Global Division, under the direction of Marine Corps Col. Adrian Burke, has been involved in a great deal of planning with USTRANSCOM, AMC and SDDC personnel.

"USTRANSCOM and component personnel have spent quite a bit of time in planning conferences in Texas during the summer," Owens said, "as well as the Louisiana Joint Field Office of FEMA in Baton Rouge, La., to prepare in conjunction with and cooperation with U.S. Northern Command and FEMA planners."

"We have worked very closely with planners from FEMA, USNORTHCOM, AMC and TACC (Tanker Airlift Control Center)," Owens continued. "We've had TACC and USTRANSCOM planners down in New Orleans looking at the airport to see how we would best go about making air evacuation work, not just aeromedical evacuation but potential evacuation of general population or tourists from New Orleans by contracted commercial air carriers."

According to Owens, throughout the hurricane season, if state and federal officials feel threatened by a hurricane, FEMA can request DOD assistance. If tasked, USTRANSCOM, as a supporting combatant command to USNORTHCOM, would respond to carry out any tasks requiring USTRANSCOM capabilities, expertise or resources.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The latest version of AP-1/1a/1b (Planning documents for North and South America), AP-3A Special Use Air Space Pacific-Australia-Antarctica, the Caribbean/South America Enroute Supplement, and the US IFR Enroute Supplement are available for download at https://164.214.2.62/products/usfif/enroute.cfm.

This will be the last publically available editions of these DoD publications ever. The NGA Aeronautical Information (USFIF and FLIP Products) hosted on the Web site above will be removed on 1 October 2007. Access to NGA's Aeronautical Information on NGA's unclassified Web sites will be through the NGA NIPRNet Web site. The NGA NIPRNet site, in accordance with a number of DoD directives, is Public Key Enabled (PKE); meaning that the site is encrypted using the DoD Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, heads home during sunset over Iraq after completing a close air support mission in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces. VFA-136 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 embarked aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Peter Scheu

Nassau is currently underway with USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Nashville (LPD 13) as the ships complete the Type Commander's Afloat Training period, or TCAT. TCAT is the first underway period in the strike group's six-month workup cycle.

LCUs and LCACs are crafts used to transport troops and equipment to the shore, while also being able to transport tracked or wheeled vehicles. With the Marines being the most valuable of those assets carried to shore, it is important for the Navy and Marine Corps team to work hand and hand during these operations to ensure safe and seamless operations.

Though TCAT and the well-deck operations are part of the ship’s and strike group's regular amphibious certifications, it also marked the first time the Navy and Marine Corps team of the Nassau Strike Group have conducted tactical training operations together in this deployment cycle.

While the certifications are reoccurring, conducting these types of training operations are crucial because personnel transfer so often and the ship deploys with a different MEU each time.

“Every time we launch a craft we learn something,” said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Anthony J. Costa, Nassau Well Deck control officer.

“Sometimes you launch and the water is as smooth as glass, and everything goes perfectly. However, sometimes you have environmental issues or wave action, and if everyone is not keen on what is going on at all times the craft can damage the ship on its way in,” he added.

“We have a very small margin for error,” said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Christopher L. Olschewski, member of Nassau’s 2nd Division. “Complications of any [kind] could cause death or serious bodily harm to a person.”

“Line handling mishaps are probably the most common problem with these training evolutions,” said Costa. “You just have to ensure that your people are qualified to be out there; and that is why we train.”

The Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group is made up of Sailors from six U.S. Navy ships and is augmented by warriors from the Marine Corps’ 24th MEU. The strike group is currently preparing for its regularly-scheduled deployment in early 2008.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) returned to its homeport of San Diego Aug. 29.

Preble, as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG), supported Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and maritime operations during its seven-and-a-half month deployment.

“Preble immediately got involved, providing stability and maritime security,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn. “They did approach and assist visits to some of the regional fishermen and ships of the area. They worked with our coalition partners and performed exercises to help build the capabilities of those navies to work within their own waters. They did some significant work in the North Persian Gulf in defense of the Iraqi oil platforms, which provide more than 90 percent of the revenue for the government of Iraq.”

“If you measure success in terms of meeting operational tasking and operating safely, then we’ve been very successful,” said Feinberg. “As a destroyer, we have an anti-submarine and anti-surface mission, but we also have the SH-60B Seahawks embarked, which give us extended detection capability. They are not only a ship asset, but a strike group asset.”

While in the 5th Fleet area of operations, Preble was tasked to conduct maritime operations in support of Combined Task Force 158, 152 and 150.

“Our primary mission was to develop a rapport with mariners in the area,” said Ensign Tom Hennessey, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) officer in charge. “We wanted to build relationships with as many locals as possible.”

Interaction patrols are an element of maritime operations conducted in Iraqi territorial waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.

Maritime operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. Coalition forces conduct maritime operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

To achieve this goal, VBSS teams departed Preble almost daily, aiming to generate support and awareness amongst vessels sailing in the region of the coalition’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

“The more we interacted with the locals, the more comfortable they became,” said Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Jeff Shaver, a VBSS team member. “It was great to see people pull alongside our boat talking and smiling. I think they know we were there to help.”

After successfully completing operations with 5th Fleet on July 11, Preble, along with the rest of JCSSG sailed to the U.S 7th Fleet area of responsibility where Sailors and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Following the strike group’s visit to Hong Kong, JCSSG participated in exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam Aug. 7-14. Valiant Shield, which was the largest joint exercise in recent history, tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency and demonstrated the United States’ commitment in the Pacific.

“We have met or exceeded every goal that has been set for us and kept a close and accurate surface and sub-surface picture for the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group,” said Herr-Garrett.

Feinberg also assessed Preble’s performance during Valiant Shield as outstanding.

“Our ship executed very well, our crew’s experience was amazing and they worked well together,” said Feinberg. Following Valiant Shield, Preble transited the Pacific Ocean and arrived at their homeport of San Diego today.

Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) returned to its homeport of Pearl Harbor on Aug. 28, following a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The Key West left Pearl Harbor in January to support U.S. commitments in the Western Pacific and to strengthen foreign U.S. relations.

“It is overwhelming to be home,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class David Quintero after receiving the ceremonial first kiss. “There are so many emotions and so much joy.”

Cmdr. Thomas Ishee, Key West’s commanding officer, said the deployment was a great success because of the pride and professionalism of the crew.

“They did a fantastic job,” he said. “They are the finest crew that I have had the pleasure of serving with.”

In addition to producing four new chief petty officers and 35 submarine warfare specialists, Key West conducted multiple community relations in Japan and Hong Kong and participated in six national and theater-specific operations.

Key West is the 35th Los Angeles-class submarine and was commissioned Sept. 12, 1987, at Naval Base, Norfolk. It transferred to its homeport in Pearl Harbor in July 1996.

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) returned to San Diego Aug. 27, marking the end of deployment for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

As Antietam arrived at Naval Base San Diego, Pier 3 was bustling with scores of people waving signs and banners. Sailors walked down the brow, absorbing the greetings shouted by families and friends. The ones that watched their Sailors from the shore lived their own stories while Antietam crew members helped defend their way of life.

"Being pregnant made it difficult to deal with the deployment," said the wife of Antietam's Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Seaman Apprentice (SW) Scott Deaton. "I'm just glad he's back with me."

"Deployments are something we have gotten used to as a military family," said retired Marine Staff Sgt. Larry Bratcher. "All we can do is stay positive and celebrate our Sailor's return home."

At Naval Air Station North Island, several SH-60F Seahawk helicopters belonging to the Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 8 “Eightballers” performed a flyover to the delight of families, friends and supporters. Outside the “Eightballers” hangar, loved ones waited anxiously for the aircrews to emerge.

The mother of one HS-8 member drove down from Los Angeles to see her son, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Kyle Williams. Right before he stepped out of his helicopter, she remarked that seeing him deploy for the first time made her chalk up yet another experience as a mother.

“It was definitely a new experience for him, because it was his first deployment. But it was also a new experience for me, not quite knowing what to expect,” she said. “I would say the hardest part of his deployment for me was whether or not I could communicate with him. Sometimes we could communicate through e-mail, and sometimes we could not. The days I couldn’t talk to him were tough,” she admitted.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Whether you are a warfighter in Iraq or a retired Airman in Nebraska, accessing Air Force forms or publications is now easier than ever due to a centralized Web site that began Aug. 24.

The Air Force Departmental Publishing Office, or e-Pubs, officially migrated under the Air Force Public Web program and is now accessible at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil.

The program is a secretary of the Air Force for public affairs initiative designed to consolidate all Web content and standardize the appearance of Air Force public sites worldwide. A link to the new e-Pubs Web site is also available for customers on Air Force Link.

The new "one-stop shop" should be familiar to visitors of any Air Force public Web site. Publicly available forms and publications will be easier to find using the enhanced search capability available through Air Force Link.

"With streamlined navigation and enhanced search tools, customers will find the new site is an improvement over the former site," said Jessica Spencer-Gallucci, the director of Air Force Departmental Publishing Office in Washington, D.C.

"As a customer, I want to be able to use a key word or topic search to find what I need on the Web site," Ms. Spencer-Gallucci said. "If I know I need a particular form, I would want to be able to search and have that form readily available to me. This is what migrating to Air Force Link will bring to both Air Force and public users of the site."

The move should be seamless to users of the former site, and authorized customers who need special products will be automatically directed to the appropriate area or have access to instructions on how to order what they need.

Another benefit for customers is quicker availability of approved Air Force forms and publications. With a content management system in place, teams of analysts can post new forms and publications to the site as soon as they are approved. In the past, usually one or two people posted new products.

"AFDPO is constantly looking to improve our processes, to support the warfighter and the general public," Ms. Spencer-Gallucci said. "It's our job, and we know it is important to get new forms and pubs to customers as soon as possible."

The migration and launch of e-Pubs marks the completion of yet another milestone for Air Force News and the Air Force public Web program, said Joe Bela, the chief of the Air Force Public Web division at Headquarters Air Force News Agency in San Antonio.

The move to AFLink is expected to save AFDPO about $500,000 a year in hosting and information technology support services. Overall, a 2006 cost analysis determined that the Air Force public Web program will save the Air Force more than $30 million annually on system administration costs alone.

"We were asked to provide the expertise, hosting environment, technology and training necessary to establish the Air Force Public Web program; e-Pubs is just a natural extension of this mission," Mr. Bela said.

"To that end, we've gathered a group of military and civilian professionals with the skills we need to pursue our objectives -- to migrate and standardize all public Web sites in the Air Force, to provide a secure environment for our content, and to consolidate the infrastructure and IT support services in order to achieve cost savings for the Air Force," he said.

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) returned to San Diego Aug. 27, marking the successful end of deployment for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

JCSSG departed San Diego Jan. 20 and entered the 5th Fleet’s AOO one month later, where the strike group spent five months supporting OEF and OIF.

“The performance of the John C. Stennis Strike Group has been magnificent,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. Contributing to security and stability in the Middle East, as well as the Pacific is one of the most important missions of the United States Navy.”

Stennis, CVW-9 and the strike group supported combat operations over Afghanistan from the North Arabian Sea, and over Iraq from the Persian Gulf while in 5th Fleet. During OIF and OEF, CVW-9 flew approximately 8,000 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours, dropped more than 160 bombs and expended more than 11,000 rounds of ammunition during 82 strafing runs.

“The operations we did for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, we did those in support of troops on the ground, troops in contact with enemy forces, and our aircraft came in and provided the support they needed, which in some cases was the difference between life and death for our troops,” added Quinn. “Through [CVW-9’s] precision bombing and their precision strafing in support of troops on the ground, they helped achieve our national objectives in that area and more importantly, they helped save the lives of our troops who were in direct contact with the enemy in Afghanistan.”

While supporting combat operations, CVW-9 conducted a variety of missions, including close-air support for troops in combat on the ground, command and control operations as well as surface search and surveillance, ensuring the safe operation of the strike group at sea.

“The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the Persian Gulf made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson.

As a Combined Forces Air Component Command asset, CVW-9 integrated closely with multinational coalition forces to prevent and counter attacks. The carrier-based aircraft provided close air-power support and delivered ordnance on enemy positions designated by ground forces.

“CVW-9 provided a variety of efforts both kinetic and non-kinetic,” said Capt. Sterling Gilliam, commander, CVW-9. “We were tasked with close-air support, reconnaissance and other tactical missions while operating in support of OEF and OIF.”

Along with five months of combat operations in 5th Fleet, JCSSG also participated in a number of exercises during its deployment, such as a unique humanitarian relief exercise in the Persian Gulf, dual-carrier exercises with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and Expeditionary Strike Force training with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while simultaneously providing close-air support to coalition ground forces in support of OEF and OIF.

“The support for the troops on the ground and in combat is by far the most significant thing we did,” Gilliam said. “But what I really am proud of, is that from the moment we pushed away from the pier, we took an aggressive operational mindset to make sure that we were combat ready and kept it until our mission was complete.”

Antietam served as the air defense commander for Stennis during JCSSG’s deployment.

“Antietam performed outstandingly across the board,” said Quinn. “She was right there with us in the North Arabian Sea when we were conducting strike operations into Afghanistan, literally saving the lives of our troops on the ground. She was with us when we transited the Straits of Hormuz and went up to the North Persian Gulf to conduct operations in support of our troops on the ground in Iraq. She also participated in several multinational exercises to develop the capabilities of those regional navies.”

After successfully completing operations in the 5th Fleet AOO July 11, JCSSG sailed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility where Sailors and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong and participated in more than 20 community relations projects.

Following the visit to Hong Kong, JCSSG participated in exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 14. The joint military exercise brought together more than 30 ships including the Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups, 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Valiant Shield tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the Asian-Pacific region.

Next on Stennis’ plate is a docked, planned, incremental availability period where it will go through about six months of maintenance and upgrades.

CVW-9 will also go through some changes before embarking Stennis again: Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31 will disestablish, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 will transition from the F/A-18C Hornet to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 will become Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, transitioning from the SH-60 Seahawk to the H-60S Knight Hawk, and CVW-9 will welcome Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, who fly the MH-60R helicopters.

Gilliam said the rest of the squadrons will take their lessons learned from this deployment and begin preparing for when CVW-9 embarks Stennis again next year during work-ups.

Photo Below: An F/A-18C Hornet, from the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, breaks the sound barrier while making a high-speed pass close to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during an air power demonstration. The air power demonstration showed the capability of Stennis and Carrier Air Wing 9 to service members' family and friends who were invited to get underway with the ship. Stennis is returning to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment promoting peace, regional cooperation and stability and supporting the global war on terrorism. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves)

“The very presence of a nuclear aircraft carrier and the strike group that surrounds it, helped provide stability and security throughout the Middle East and Pacific regions,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “It helped to dissuade and deter potential adversaries, and at the same time, helped to assure friendly countries in that region that we have the commitment and capability to maintain stability and security throughout the maritime environment; Stennis was the focal point of that.”

Stennis’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson expressed his pride in the ship’s impact on the mission while serving as the centerpiece of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG).

“We are proud of what we accomplished,” said Johanson. “The people I have the privilege to lead continually amaze me in their abilities and desires. I can honestly say I’m not too concerned about our younger generation after serving with great folks like these.”

JCSSG spent five months deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO. While there, Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing 9 flew more than 8,000 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours and dropping nearly 90,000 pounds of ordnance in support of coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Throughout this deployment Stennis has set a new standard for the performance of carriers in a combat zone,” said Johanson. “The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the Arabian Gulf made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region.”

The Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.

“When I look back on this great adventure of ours, the thing I’m most proud of is the performance of our young Sailors and Marines,” said Quinn. “They’ve left the comforts of their homes; they’ve left their families; they’ve gone forward into the combat zone to fight for our country, and their performance in that combat zone has been outstanding.”

The Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) set sail Aug. 24 for their first at-sea group exercise, in preparation for next year’s six-month deployment.

Comprised of USS Nassau (LHA 4), USS Nashville (LPD 13) and USS Ashland (LSD 48), as well as the 24th Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the ESG’s group sail provides the opportunity for crews to focus on teamwork and communications that will prove to be vital to the mission success of their 2008 deployment.

“The group sail is designed to provide basic amphibious training to the Amphibious Readiness Group ships prior to forming up with the rest of the ESG,” said Capt. James R. Boorujy, commanding officer of Nassau. "It includes working with all types of landing craft in the Navy and Marine Corps inventory as well as becoming proficient in ship handling, communication and live-fire exercises."

The ESG concept centers on the combined flexibility and readiness of a Navy amphibious readiness group and a MEU, augmented by surface combatant ships and a fast-attack submarine, armed with expanded offensive and defensive warfare capabilities, by land with embarked Marines, and at sea. This exercise is designed to forge the strike group into a cohesive, fighting team and represents a critical step in the pre-deployment training cycle.

The 24th MEU’s goal for the ESG group sail is to conduct evolutions that they would execute during the upcoming deployment and real-world operations.

“This is a great opportunity for our Marines to get familiar with the ship and its capabilities,” said Gunnery Sgt. Anthony M. Bargallo, non-commissioned officer in charge of Combat Cargo. "It helps us identify and iron out kinks and combat any potential operational problems. It also allows the Navy and Marine Corps team to take any steps necessary for assuring a smooth deployment."

Once the group sail is complete, Nassau and the other ships in the ESG will continue on to the next step of their Integrated Readiness Cycle.

Nassau is assigned to Commander Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group. The six ships and 5,000 Sailors and Marines allow warfighting naval amphibious forces to operate with joint and combined forces for combatant commanders.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Friends and family gathered at the pier on Naval Station Pearl Harbor Aug. 24, to say goodbye to more than 240 Sailors of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, USS Reuben James (FFG 37).

The ship departed its homeport for a deployment to the Western Pacific in support of the global war on terrorism.

"We are extremely excited about this deployment," said Cmdr. Rich Haidvogel, commanding officer of Reuben James. "We have been training for this and the crew is ready to complete the tasking of the mission."

For months prior to deploying, Sailors anxiously awaited the day they would get underway.

"We've been pumped up so much for the last couple of months, and we're ready to go," said Operational Specialist 3rd Class Jeremy Zimmer.

During a deployment, the Sailors must rely on each other more than a typical workplace, due to the close quarters that a Navy vessel provides.

"We come together more underway and go from being co-workers to more like a family because all we have is each other, said Zimmer.

Reuben James is a multi-mission platform designed to escort and protect carrier strike groups, expeditionary strike groups, underway replenishment groups and convoys, in addition to conducting anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

Sea trials, which are expected to be completed later this week, are traditionally the final hurdle for a shipyard maintenance availability and are designed to assess GW’s material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as a fully operational unit.

Once complete, GW will return to the U.S. 2nd Fleet to commence final operational preparations to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Japan in 2008. The $300 million, 11-month Planned Incremental Availability plus Docking is expected to be completed on time and within budget.

”Sea trials are really the culmination of a lot of hard work. Norfolk Naval Shipyard and GW Sailors really came together as a team to produce an outstanding availability,” said GW Commanding Officer, Capt. Dave Dykhoff.

The availability was specifically designed to prepare the ship to become the Navy’s forward deployed aircraft carrier with numerous system upgrades. One specific accomplishment included the removal and replacement of the entire main mast and all associated radar and combat systems.

While the scheduled trials are expected to tax every Sailor and system on the ship to ensure full capability, the transition from shipyard to sea is a welcome one.

“Everyone involved is extremely proud to clear this hurdle and get these tests underway,” said Dykhoff. “Our transition to Japan is very important to our nation’s security, and we have worked very hard to keep that transition on track.”

Members of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a total of 355 passengers and 119,953 pounds of cargo to and from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during the winter fly-in, or WinFly, season.

McMurdo Station serves as the logistical hub for much of the U.S. Antarctic Program. With the influx of cargo and people delivered by a C-17 Globemaster III, McMurdo Station staff will begin preparations for the main summer research season. They will prepare buildings, offices, equipment and an ice runway on McMurdo Sound for the arrival of the main body population of scientists and support staff.

Winter fly-in is the coldest time of the year. Temperatures of -40 degrees are not uncommon and wind chills can cause the temperatures to be -130 degrees. Despite these extremes and only one delay due to bad weather, the C-17 crews dealt with the adversity.

"The mission was outstanding. It couldn't have gone any better if we planed it," said Capt. Cory Simmons, a pilot with the 304th EAS.

As a reliable platform for Operation Deep Freeze, C-17s can carry numerous passengers, cargo and fuel to Antarctica and back with reduced risks. With minor changes to the aircraft, each mission is carefully planned to meet the U.S. Antarctic Program's needs for their mission.

"The C-17 is designed to fly all around the world, the same way all the time. Everything is onboard ready to go to fight any fight," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Masura, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "It's not big changes that we did for WinFly; it just gives the customer and us more flexibility with the weight and fuel, and gives us a little safety factor."

With a two-hour time frame, aircrews and maintainers were busy at work. The loadmasters unloaded and loaded cargo while the maintainers took on fuel and placed heaters at key points on the aircraft to ensure the engines and landing gears would not freeze up. The pilots kept busy cycling through the flight controls to keep the hydraulic fluids warm to ensure the integrity of the flight functions on the C-17.

"Just because it is WinFly and so cold, you worry about shutting down the engines," Captain Simmons said. "When we land, everyone is doing something. The crew is large, not because of training, but because we have eyes on everything to make sure there's no problems and everything is running smoothly."

WinFly missions to Antarctica can be a daunting task because of weather, frigid temperatures, cargo loads and people. Efficiency, safety and meeting the customers needs ended the successful week-long flurry of activity for the WinFly Airmen.

Operation Deep Freeze is divided into three seasons: WinFly, main body and winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord AFB, LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Here is the latest information I have on the Canadian Military Aeronautical Communications System (MACS). If anyone has a recent electronic version of the Canadian Flight Supplement or the RAF Flight Information Handbook or ERSs, I would like to hear from you at the email address in the masthead.

Search and RescueRescue coordination center in Victoria, Trenton, and Halifax have the capability of communicating on any AEM(OR) SB frequency by utilizing phone patch facilitiesthrough their connected communication facilities. Victoria RCC also has a transmit and receive capability on 5717.0 kHz AM.During SAR operations, only those stations actively engaged in these operations will make use of 5717.0 kHz. Aircraft other than those participating in SAR operations will be instructed to change to another MACS frequency.

Notes:(a) H+15 weather broadcasts, when active.(b) H+35 weather broadcasts when active.(c) Aircraft not fitted with ALE scroll through these guard frequencies above in order to select the best reception. Transmissions are made at 15 sec intervals before changing to the next guard frequency.

New information has been uncovered on three of the Pacific rim air force HF communications systems. Additional frequencies are known to be associated with these networks and updates would be appreciated.

Australian Defense Force HF Communications SystemThe ADF HFCS radio network provides communication services for the operational control of ADF and RNZAF aircraft and HF equipped marine craft. The DCSA HFCS is controlled by Defence Communications Station Australia (DCSA) located in Canberra.The DCSA HFCS consists of four Nodes located at Exmouth, WA; Darwin, NT; Townsville, QLD; and Riverina, NSW.

Voice Contact Nets (VCN) Operations are continuous on all frequencies and in the USB mode.

RNZAF Air Operations Communications Centre Auckland (AOCCAK)AOCCAK is a providing HF communications services to RNZAF, RAAF and other allied aircraft. AOCC Auckland is located at RNZAF Whenuapai, Auckland, New Zealand.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

A B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in an exercise scenario Aug. 22. The aircraft, aircrew and maintainers are deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., as part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. During their deployment to Guam, the bomber squadron's participation in exercises will emphasize the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Mahmoud Rasouliyan)

B-52 Stratofortresses and aircrews demonstrated the Air Force's global reach and global power by participating in the latest Koa Lightning exercise Aug. 21 through 23 from Andersen Air Force Base.

Airmen of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew 18 hours non-stop from Guam to Hawaii and back in the exercise to participate in scenarios designed to sharpen the combat skills and test the endurance of its aircrews.

The flights, similar to a combat sortie, included a scenario where aircrews simulated engaging ground targets in Hawaii. The aircrews practiced defensive tactics and measures while simulating dropping their bombs on target.

"These training missions are valuable to our aircrews as it simulates likely conditions they could encounter in combat," said Lt. Col. Tom Hesterman, the 20th EBS commander. "Crews are better prepared when we train like we fight."

"Tankers are key enablers that demonstrate our ability to operate as a cohesive team and extend the lethal range of our bombers as well as enhancing our flexibility," Colonel Hesterman said.

Mid-air refueling allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer and extend its range and those of its weapons systems demonstrating global reach and global power.

The bombers participation in exercises while deployed emphasizes the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region, said U.S. Pacific Command officials.

As part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region, the U.S. routinely deploys forces to the Western Pacific to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence for the region and demonstrate a continued U.S. commitment to fulfilling security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Blog note: Important frequency information at the end of this article.

A maintainer looks as National Science Foundation Members get off a C-17 Globemaster III during the Operation Deep Freeze winter fly-in around the Pegasus Runway Aug. 20 in Antarctica. A C-17 and 31 Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., began the annual winter fly-in augmentation of scientists, support personnel, food and equipment for the U.S. Antarctic Program at McMurdo Station. WinFly is the opening of the first flights to McMurdo Station, which closed for the austral winter in February. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFPN) -- Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter flights began Aug. 20 ending more than five months of isolation for the research station as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivered passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Landing 15 miles from McMurdo Station at Pegasus Runway, the C-17s will carry in scientists and support members to start early pre-summer projects, augment maintenance personnel and prepare skyways and ice runways at McMurdo Station.

Winter fly-in, called WinFly, is the first of three phases for Operation Deep Freeze that sets the stage for the U.S. Antarctic Program.

"We bring people down that will begin construction on what is called the 'annual sea ice' runway, which is very close to McMurdo," said Lt. Col. Jim McGann, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander.

When people arrive at Antarctica, they have to take about an hour trip from Pegasus Runway to McMurdo Station. Once the 10,000 feet by 220 feet annual sea ice runway is completed, the trip will be just 10 minutes that allows quicker downloads and less exposure to the weather.

"We like it because they build us a nice runway. They like it because the C-17 is closer and it makes the travel time a lot quicker," Colonel McGann said.

Operation Deep Freeze is a demanding mission due to the extreme adversity of the environment and remoteness of Antarctica. For WinFly, and for all of the seasons, there are few options. The C-17 carries unusual loads and has to deal with weather that can change in 30 minutes. To meet the challenges, a joint force of active-duty and Reserve members are assembled to complete the difficult tasks safely and efficiently.

"My pilots are picked because of their judgment and their ability to make the right decision. The loadmasters are the same way," Colonel McGann said. "Both positions have to be highly intuitive. They have to be able to think on their feet and they have to be able to make the right decisions."

Transitioning McMurdo Station from a quiet, isolated winter camp to a logistical hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program the C-17 had only a short window to deliver its passengers and cargo due to daylight and weather.

"The biggest challenges are weather, the complexity of the loads and the time it takes to download and upload the aircraft," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Masura, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "Time is limited due to daylight, and we have to get in and out as quickly as we can."

The U.S. military is uniquely equipped to assist the National Science Foundation in the accomplishments of its mission to explore Antarctica, and 13th Air Force officials have the capability to provide joint operational and logistical support around the clock.

Operation Deep Freeze is divided into three seasons: Winfly, main body and winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord Air Force Base, Wash. LC-130 from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.

CallsignsMac Ops -- Field Operation Communications Center, second floor of Bldg 165 at McMurdo. Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft are identified by the call sign “Skier,” followed by a specific aircraft number.Helicopters are identified by the last three digits on the helicopter tail. The digits are always two numbers and a letter.

And the new Cold War games with the Russians continue. An UK RAF Typhoon aircraft intercepted a Russian Air Force Long Range Tupolev TU-95 Bear aircraft on August 17 over the North Atlantic according to a Skynews online report. See the complete report at http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1280809,00.html.

There are related stories regarding the Russian Air Force Long Range Forces activity over the last month on this blog at:

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) prepares to pull into Pearl Harbor. Stennis returns to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability while supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves

John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) arrived in Pearl Harbor Aug. 20, marking the strike group’s first port call to the United States after being deployed for more than seven months.

“The performance of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group has been magnificent,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. Contributing to security and stability in the Middle East, as well as the Pacific, is one of the most important missions of the United States Navy.”

JCSCSG spent five months deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR. While there, USS John C. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 flew more than 7,900 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours and dropping nearly 90,000 pounds of ordnance in support of coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Our air wing set records for combat support for troops in Afghanistan,” said Quinn. “Their precision bombing in support of troops on the ground helped achieve our national objectives in the area, and more importantly, they helped save the lives of our troops who were in direct contact with the enemy.”

JCSCSG also participated in ESF training in the 5th Fleet AOR while simultaneously providing close-air support to coalition ground forces in support of OEF and OIF. ESF training brought together JCSCSG, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group to test their ability to plan and conduct multi-task force operations across a broad spectrum of naval disciplines.

“The purpose of the Expeditionary Strike Force operations was to refresh our skills in completing complex missions that required capabilities even broader in scope than Stennis can provide alone,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer Capt. Brad Johanson. “From the delivery of emergency medical response from Stennis, to the movement of humanitarian supplies from Bonhomme Richard via LCAC [landing craft air cushion], and the repair capability of our Engineering Department and logistical capability of our Supply Department—the exercise was a complete success.”

After successfully completing operations in the 5th Fleet AOR, July 11, JCSCSG sailed to the U.S 7th Fleet AOR where Sailors and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong and participated in more than 20 community relations projects.

Following the visit to Hong Kong, JCSCSG participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam Aug. 7-14. The joint military exercise brought together more than 30 ships, including the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and Nimitz CSGs; 280 aircraft; and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Valiant Shield tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

“All the strike groups in Valiant Shield performed extremely well,” said Quinn. “What we found in Valiant Shield is that we can come together at sea, working in a joint military environment, having not worked with each other a lot before and fall into a strike force construct to conduct integrated combat operations.”

JCSCSG wrapped up the operational requirement of its 2007 deployment with the conclusion of Valiant Shield and sailed to the U.S. 3rd Fleet AOR and into Pearl Harbor.

For two ships in the strike group, USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77), Pearl Harbor is their homeport. The rest of JCSCSG will continue heading east to San Diego and finally, Bremerton, Wash., to complete the 2007 deployment.

“When I look back on this great adventure of ours, the thing I’m most proud of is the performance of our young Sailors and Marines,” said Quinn. “They’ve left the comforts of their homes; they’ve left their families; they’ve gone forward into the combat zone to fight for our country, and their performance in that combat zone has been outstanding.”

Johanson echoed similar thoughts.

"Throughout this deployment Stennis has set a new standard for the performance of carriers in a combat zone,” said Johanson. “The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the Arabian Gulf made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region.”

The Arabian Gulf is a body of water commonly known as the Persian Gulf.

Guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) passes by decommissioned battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) as she returns to her homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor after a seven-month deployment. O'Kane deployed as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric J. Cutright.)

After completing a seven-month deployment, Sailors aboard USS O’Kane (DDG 77) returned home to pearl Harbor on Aug. 20.

While deployed, O'Kane participated in a wide variety of exercises and operations, such as maritime and approach operations and expeditionary strike force training in the Persian Gulf and Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam.

“O’Kane deployed at a high rate of speed to the Middle East and contributed to stability and security of that region and set a one-day record for having the most approach and assist visits in the Arabian Gulf,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn. “She also interacted with the navies of that region, which helped build the capability and capacity of those forces to deal with maritime threats in their own waters. O’Kane’s performance was outstanding.”

Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.

Cmdr. Tom Druggan, O’Kane’s commanding officer, elaborated on her accomplishments during the deployment.

“The ship exercised every capability of surface warfare,” said Druggan. “We’ve done approaches and boardings for visit, board, search and seizure operations. We escorted a lot of high-value vessels through the Straight of Hormuz and conducted safety of navigation through the Straight of Malacca. We conducted a tremendous amount of anti-submarine and air warfare exercises during Valiant Shield 2007. Overall, it was a very successful deployment.”

During port visits, O’Kane’s Sailors were ambassadors to a variety of nations throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Sailors also used these opportunities to relax and learn about local culture and customs.

“The crew did a great job on liberty,” said Lt. Cmdr. Erik Eslich, O’Kane’s executive officer. “They took care of each other, and they were good ambassadors for the ship, strike group and their country. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the crew.”

For O’Kane’s crew, returning home is filled with excitement and good memories from the deployment.

“This cruise has been an unforgettable learning experience,” said Cryptologic Technician Technical 2nd Class (SW) Jason Welch, who finished his first deployment. “There were many good times over this long deployment, but I’m ready to go home and relax a bit.”

Druggan said O’Kane will soon commence its post overseas movement standdown to give the crew some well deserved time off, especially after an extensive work-up cycle.

“O’Kane hasn’t been operational just for the last seven months; we’ve only been in port two or three months of the last 15 months,” said Druggan. “That’s a lot of underway time, and they really deserve their upcoming shore leave.”

O’Kane departed her homeport of Pearl Harbor Jan. 26 as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.

Paul Hamilton left its homeport Jan. 26 and was originally scheduled to depart with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG). After two days at sea, the ship received different orders for their deployment.

“The president wanted a two-carrier presence in the Persian Gulf,” said Paul Hamilton’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Christopher Bushnell. “Stennis went right to the Persian Gulf. Kitty Hawk was in the yards, so the Ronald Reagan Strike Group (RRCSG) surged out of her national deployment schedule. [Reagan's] destroyer escorts were going through maintenance periods, so they put together other ships to make [Reagan's] strike group: Paul Hamilton, USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57).”

The training Paul Hamilton underwent with JCSSG helped them to integrate effectively with this new strike group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

“We exercised every mission capability--plane guard, small boats--we did multinational exercises with the Japanese,” said Bushnell.

Paul Hamilton also performed a different type of mission in the 7th Fleet AOR--theater engagement. Ships involved in this mission make port calls to various countries on diplomatic missions.

“It has always been a traditional mission to go present the flag and the best of what America has to offer,” said Paul Hamilton’s Operations Officer, Lt. Justin Harts. “A major part of our mission was theater engagement, to go out and actually work hand-in-hand with the state department on diplomatic missions. The ship performed above and beyond the call of duty.”

When it was time for RRSG to return home, Paul Hamilton joined the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group and performed theater engagement missions in Japan and Korea. Afterward, they augmented the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group for operations near Australia.

“We were working with USS Tortuga (LSD 46), USS Essex (LHD 2) and royal Australian ships,” said Bushnell. “We got to work in a very challenging environment, conducting operations right around the Great Barrier Reef. There were a lot of environmental concerns, and you have to be very sensitive to that because of the really unique marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Paul Hamilton rejoined JCSCSG to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Aug. 7-14, the largest joint exercise in recent history. The exercise included 30 ships, 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

After finishing Valiant Shield and their operational requirement in the 7th Fleet AOR, Paul Hamilton’s crew returns home, knowing they completed a very unique and successful deployment.

“They supported major exercises, such as Foal Eagle and Talisman Sabre,” said Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. “They contributed to security and peace throughout the Pacific during their operations. They were tasked to work with two different carrier strike groups, and every report I received was that their performance was outstanding.”

Bushnell had nothing but praise for his crew, who, for seven months, had to remain flexible and be ready for the next mission.

“They were awesome,” said Bushnell. “They really answered the call on everything. I am very proud. We were able to knock the ball out of the park on every task we were given here, regardless of who we were working with or what we were asked to do.”

Six U.S. ships arrived in Hong Kong Aug. 20 for a scheduled port visit.

During the visit, Sailors and Marines will also have a chance to participate in friendship-building activities, meet local citizens, experience local customs and traditions, and enjoy the many recreational activities offered in Hong Kong.

“U.S. Navy port visits such as this one represent an important opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region of the world,” said Rear Adm. Terry Blake, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) commander. “Hong Kong is a favorite place for our deployed Sailors and Marines to visit. The crews always enjoy opportunities to visit the city and experience its culture.”

The squadrons of CVW-11 include the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14; the “Black Aces” of VFA-41; the “Sunliners” of VFA-81; the “Wallbangers” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117; the “Red Devils” of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 232; the “Black Ravens” of Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 135; the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30; the “Indians” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6; as well as the “Scorpions” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49; the “Easy Riders” of HSL-37; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Det. 3.

All six ships are operating as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet and recently participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Aug. 7-14, along with the Kitty Hawk and John C. Stennis CSGs.

Valiant Shield 2007 was a joint U.S. exercise with a focus on integrated training among U.S. military forces. This training enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to range of mission areas.

All of the ships, except Chafee, departed their homeport of San Diego April 2 on a regularly scheduled deployment. The Hawaii-based Chafee departed its homeport of Pearl Harbor April 9. Nimitz arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F) area of operations (AOR) in May. While operating in C5F AOR, CVW-11 flew more than 2,600 sorties and 7,332 hours in support of ground forces participating in Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq before leaving the Persian Gulf in late July.

Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52 million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and more than 22,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

These forces are tangible proof of America’s commitment to peace and stability, and they directly support U.S. national goals of strengthening alliances, defeating global terrorism, preventing future terrorist attacks, defusing regional conflicts and preserving the free flow of trade.

“It’s kind of an awing and humbling experience to be the CO [commanding officer] when you have your crew performing so well, all the time, every day with a smile and a lot of enthusiasm,” said Marks.

In February, the Hawes assisted a stranded merchant vessel, whose crew was without power or food for seven days, in the Northern Persian Gulf.

“The crew probably would have died if we had not intervened,” said Marks. “They were getting to the point to where they were going to drink seawater.”

While the Hawes was performing heroic missions, their families performed their part back home. Ship Ombudsman Hilliary Gauntt, wife of Chief (Select) Electronics Technician (SW) Charles Gauntt, helped crew and family members deal with financial and medical issues, and helped new mothers adjust while their loved ones were deployed.

“It definitely helped with making the time pass because I didn’t have time to think about my husband not being home,” said Hilliary. “I was too busy taking care of other people.”

The crew of the Hawes also participated in Operation Sea Dragon IV, Exercise AMAN 2007 and Exercise Nautical Union 2007.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) commenced operations in the Persian Gulf Aug. 10, where they are currently deployed to support Maritime Security Operations (MSO) as well as Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom.

Rear Adm. Daniel P. Holloway, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12/Enterprise Strike Group, said the strike group is ready to do what it takes to accomplish the mission.

“This is part of what we are out here to do,” said Holloway. “We are a nation at war and we will continue to do our part to stabilize the current situation in Iraq and eliminate terrorist threats.”

Enterprise CSG's deployment will help reassure U.S. allies in the region of the Navy’s commitment to set conditions for security and stability for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. MSO have a strong track record of providing security and stability in the maritime environment through coordinated operations with coalition partners that complement the security efforts of friends and allies in the region.

The presence of Enterprise CSG in the region allows the coalition to flex multi-dimensional task force capabilities and demonstrate the ability to respond to threats to maritime security.

Enterprise CSG also commenced the first combat missions of their current deployment Aug. 12 in support of OIF.

U.S. naval and air presence in the region is the continuation of a six decade-long U.S. policy to stand by friends and allies among Gulf Cooperation Council nations and protect the free flow of commerce. These relationships support and encourage regional stability and cooperation.

U.S. forces will continue to maintain this regional presence to deter destabilizing activities, while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy.